Many of us have had our working worlds turned upside down in the pandemic and those not used to working from home have had to really readjust. Some people loved it and others couldn’t wait to get back. However, there is another way and many are now turning to hybrid working options to get the best of both worlds!
This approach blends the benefits of a traditional face to face environment with the convenience of working from home, however, working in a hybrid environment certainly poses unique challenges.
Whilst working from home offers enviable convenience and flexibility, home environments are often distraction landmines and it can be easy to waste precious time with constant back and forth between office environments.
To make this new style of working a success, you have to work intentionally, be organised and use tools that you can easily transport. Certainly, brings a new meaning to hot-desking right!?
HERE ARE 4 TIPS TO HELP YOU ALONG YOUR WAY.
01 - Maintain consistent workspaces
Constantly adjusting to two completely different workspaces requires additional energy. So set yourself up for success by mimicking a similar setup in both locations. When going between offices it’s easy to forget something and it will throw off your whole day. Try mirroring your workspaces with the same tools and equipment or if that isn't possible, simply make a checklist of what you’ll need to take with you when you travel between spaces.
WHAT DO I DO? I can often be found working from different locations, from client offices, hotel lobbies and coffee shops. I take my Hello Time Planner with me everywhere as it’s got everything I need in one place, all my notes, to-do lists, schedule, goals and ideas. I pop all my favourite pens in a pencil case so they are all to hand. I also use the Anya Hindmarch Home Office Pouch to hold all my cables, stationery and tech in. It’s easy to transport so I don't forget anything.
02 - Try tailoring types of work to each environment
One of the benefits of having two workspaces is that you can now tailor types of work to the environment that best supports it. Do you notice that at home it’s much easier to read or write a long report without the distractions of the office? Or maybe you’ve noticed that for tasks requiring collaboration or back and forth exchange, it’s much easier to complete those when you are with your team or colleagues?
WHAT DO I DO? I do find I get far more done when I am working in my home studio, I have more focus and can concentrate much better and I can listen to music which helps me relax so I can be creative. When I know I’ll be working remotely I’ll save up, what I call, ‘doing’ style tasks, things I can do with other noise or people around me. Use the different environments to your advantage.
03 - Keep a positive mindset
Constantly adjusting to two completely different workspaces requires additional energy. Perhaps the hardest thing to change is your mindset, things won’t be the same as you remember. Having a positive mindset and support from your team, colleagues and family will really help. You’ll need to fully embrace this new way of working both mentally and practically.
WHAT DO I DO? If I am working away from my studio, I sometimes don’t get so much done but it’s important not to beat myself up, expect that will be the case and enjoy the slower pace. It’s a total tonic and refreshing to have a change of scene.
04 - Relying on the same organisational tools and tactics
Without question, working between two different locations requires a higher level of coordination and organisation. A good idea is to have a “command centre” to help keep you organised no matter where you are. For me, it’s my Hello Time Planner, but you could also use a notebook that you always have with you. A lot of professionals also rely on some sort of online task management tool to help manage tasks, but I find you can’t beat pen and paper for keeping on track with the day-to-day! Virtual or hybrid working can create communication challenges for a team so it’s critically important to embrace the tools that can help you continue to collaborate efficiently whatever they are and whatever suits you.
WHAT DO I DO? I use my HELLO TIME Planner to keep my diary, notes and to-do lists handy but I also have a MY DAY Pad for daily time blocking and to scribble reminders, thoughts and notes that come up throughout the day.
While the pandemic forced most of us to work from home, many of those same professionals are now contemplating hybrid working as their longer-term reality. It will feel different, and it will require intentional preparation and focus. Indeed, those who can successfully shift into long-term hybrid work may find amazing successes both at work and home. For many of us, it certainly forced a revaluation of what is most important in life. Most professionals love working but don’t necessarily love some of the less desirable elements that often accompany a trek into a traditional office five days a week, especially for those Mum’s wanting to do the school run each day.
